01-16 JULY 2025
By Eduardo Ormaeche
Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird (photo Andrew Cutler).
Overview
In July 2025 we ran our South Peru: Birding the Inca Empire, Andes and Amazonian Rainforest tour, and it was great to return to this destination after a couple of years’ absence. This trip is designed to provide both casual and serious birders with the opportunity to get a taste of the birds and wildlife that southern Peru offers. We visited famous and iconic destinations like the Andes, including the legendary archeological site of Machu Picchu standing in the cloud forest mountains of Cusco, and the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. We were able to feast our eyes on classic bird species, including Hoatzin, Sunbittern, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Torrent Duck, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Paradise Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, White-throated Toucan, Laughing Falcon, Buff-tailed Sicklebill and King Vulture, to name a few.
The route also offered a selection of the most range-restricted species for serious birders and listers, such as White-throated Jacamar, Inca Wren, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Inca Flycatcher, Slaty Tanager, White-lined and Striated Antbirds, Bamboo Antshrike, Yungas Manakin, Black-backed Tody Tyrant, Peruvian Piedtail, Bearded Mountaineer, Blue-banded Toucanet, plus a few species of antpittas, including Red-and-white, Rufous-breasted and Urubamba Antpittas. We had fantastic encounters with other species such as Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Blue-and-yellow Macaw and Versicolored Barbet.
Giant (River) Otters are always a mammalian highlight of the trip (photo Andrew Cutler).
We had 13 full days of birding and recorded, amongst others, the following numbers of species: 43 hummingbirds, 18 parrots, 4 antpittas, 53 tanagers and allies and 23 species of mammals, including the endangered Giant (River) Otter.
It was very convenient to visit several feeding stations along the Manu Road, all of which have been opened to the public recently. Visitors can now fairly easily get closer views and photo opportunities of several bird species. We invite you to read the day-by-day description in the report below – we are sure it will be informative and fun. If you have never had the opportunity to visit this area, we hope this report will put this destination on your radar, and for the tour participants, we trust this will be a nice review of a memorable tour.
Detailed Report
Day 1, 1st July 2025. Arrival in Lima and transfer to hotel
The tour participants arrived in Lima, the capital of Peru, and they were transferred to our comfortable hotel for the night.
Day 2, 2nd July 2025. Flight to Puerto Maldonado and birding the surroundings
This morning we were transferred back to the airport to take a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the capital of the Madre de Dios state, located in southeast Peru. This state borders Brazil and Bolivia and is in the Amazon rainforest at an elevation of 600 feet (183 meters). This active and bustling town stands at the confluence of the Madre de Dios River and the Tambopata River, and is the gateway to several Amazon lodges in the Tambopata Reserve, as well as more remote areas like Los Amigos and the Manu River. There are daily connecting flights to Cusco or 300 miles (480 km) of road, and it is usually visited by tourists during the Peruvian winter (June-August). South American winters experience cold fronts coming from the south (Antarctic winds) which are known locally as Friajes. They cause temperatures to drop from an average of 91.4°F (33°C) to 50°F (10°C), with high humidity and cold. This does not happen all winter long but repeats itself five or six times, generally lasting about five days. We arrived in Puerto Maldonado at the end of a cold front and even though it was sunny, most of us felt quite chilly.
In spite of the cold our first afternoon of birding was great, with good species in rice fields outside town, including Horned Screamer, White-faced and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Brazilian Teal, Southern Lapwing, Collared Plover, Green Ibis, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Capped Heron, Large-billed Tern, numerous Wattled Jacanas, Wood Stork, Red-breasted Blackbird, Grassland Sparrow, Yellowish Pipit, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Lesser Yellow–headed Vulture, Snail Kite, and Red-bellied Macaw, amongst others. We returned to our hotel in town at sunset.
Day 3, 3rd July 2025. Visiting Sandoval Lake
After a tasty and generous breakfast, we went to Madre de Dios River to take a 45-minute boat trip to Sandoval Lake, located in Tambopata Reserve. Before sailing east, we stopped to look for White-throated Jacamar, which showed well but at the wrong angle for good photos. At the same place we also spotted a Brown-throated Sloth.During the boat ride we saw White-banded, Southern Rough-winged and White-winged Swallows, and Drab Water Tyrant.
The temperature was perfect, neither chilly nor hot. We walked slowly over 1.2 miles (2 km) along a wooden boardwalk to the lake, looking for birds along the way. Activity was slow but we managed some good birds, which kept our spirits high, such as Collared Trogon, Black-fronted Nunbird, Little Cuckoo (seen briefly by some), Red-stained Woodpecker, Masked Tityra, Olivaceous and Buff-throated Woodcreepers, Silver-beaked Tanager, Moustached Wren, Chivi Vireo, White-lored Tyrannulet, White-browed Antbird, Plain-throated, White-flanked and Grey Antwrens, Plain-winged and Fasciated Antshrikes, and the elusive Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. We had a nice view of Chestnut-capped Puffbird, which remained motionless for us. Once we arrived at the lake we had Grey-headed Tanager, a nice male Pink-throated Becard, Black-tailed Trogon (a female), Bluish-fronted Jacamar, White-shouldered Tanager and the handsome Red-necked Woodpecker. We tried for the impressive Long-billed Woodcreeper which sadly did not respond well, giving only a few glimpses around us.
The scenery and beauty of the oxbow lake, with calm waters surrounded by palms and trees, was outstanding. We spotted a few small Black Caimans on the water and a medium-sized one, about 8 feet (2.5 m) long, on the shore of the lake. Previously at high risk of extinction due to indiscriminate hunting, the world population is thankfully recovering, with an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 individuals in the wild. Another interesting creature was a Yellow-spotted River Turtle,which we saw well, posing and regulating its body temperature by resting on dead logs, with a butterfly occasionally alighting and licking salt from its head.
We had some pretty birds, including the monotypic Hoatzin and Sunbittern, both important targets for all participants. We enjoyed Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfishers, Striated Heron, Black-capped Donacobius, Pale-vented Pigeon, Fork-tailed Palm Swifts, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Least Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga and Rufescent Tiger Heron.
We saw the most-wanted Giant (River) Otter at relatively close distance from the boat, this was probably the creature of the trip. This is an endangered species, due to decades of poaching for its velvety pelt. This fantastic animal is found in the Peruvian Amazon, one of its last bastions and shelters, with an estimated population of 1,000 to 5,000 individuals, and no more than 60 in captivity. It is the largest otter in the world.
We retreated to the trail and walked back to the river, admiring some of the distinctive indigenous trees and plants, many of which are truly eye-catching. Matthew managed to spot Ivory-billed Aracari and Spix’s Guan.
We returned to town for another night in Puerto Maldonado, fortunately our last chilly night.
Day 4, 4th July 2025. Transfer to Tambopata National Reserve and Chuncho Lodge
We left Puerto Maldonado and drove towards Filadelphia, passing through agricultural fields and secondary growth forest, parallel to the Tambopata River. After about an hour’s drive, and a few minutes along the river, we arrived at Chuncho Lodge, where we had a warm welcome and enjoyed a tasty lunch.
In the afternoon we birded the lodge clearing and adjacent trails and added Black-fronted Nunbird, Bluish-fronted Jacamar, Blue-headed Parrot, Lineated and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, Thrush-like Wren, plus the common Blue-grey, Silver-beaked and Palm Tanagers. The small hummingbird garden was productive, with our first hummingbirds of the trip, including Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Reddish and White-bearded Hermits, and a female Butterfly Coquette (a split from Festive Coquette, which is now only found in the Atlantic forests of South America).
Some of us did a night walk before dinner and were rewarded with a White-throated Tinamou (roosting at night). We heard Crested Owl and Amazonian Pygmy Owl, with no good answers. We also had our first encounter with the Amazon Night Monkey.
This White-throated Tinamou was seen roosting at night (photo Matthew Rice).
Day 5, 5th July 2025. Macaw clay lick and Chuncho Lodge
We had a predawn start, leaving the lodge at 04.30am, and sailed upriver to the Bahuaja Sonene National Park to visit the Chuncho clay lick. This clay lick is visited by parrots and macaws daily to ingest minerals and antioxidants. Upon arrival at certain rocky beaches of the Tambopata River, the boat lands in a specific area (where other lodge boats also park and visitors gather on the beach, sometimes several dozen depending on whether it is the tourist season). There is no blind (hide) between watchers and the birds, and visitor etiquette is based on each group’s guide’s advice.
It was a foggy morning and navigation was tricky, nevertheless, the expert boat drivers ensured a safe round trip. We had a field breakfast and then approached as close as possible, but the distance was still far enough so that spotting scopes were preferred and photography was not ideal.
We waited longer than expected and then the birds gathered in large flocks, mostly parakeets and parrots, with species like Blue-headed Parrot and Yellow-crowned Amazon, followed by plenty of Mealy Amazons and a few Orange-cheeked Parrots, a highly attractive South American parrot. Small parrots displayed while waiting for the large parrots. We had some other good birds in the vicinity, including Orinoco Goose, a scarce species in Peru and named after the Orinoco River (one of the largest rivers in the world in terms of the volume of water discharged at its delta). We also saw Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns, Black Skimmer, Capped Heron, Pied Plover, Swallow-winged Puffbird, Roadside Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Lineated Woodpecker, Great Potoo (at a daytime roost), Black Caracara, Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, and our first King Vulture. Minutes later we had impressive Scarlet and Blue-and-yellow Macaws (fewer in number) and numerous Red-and-green Macaws. We saw fewer birds than expected, both descending the cliffs or at the clay lick itslef, perhaps because of the weather. Nevertheless, from a birding perspective it was magical to see all these birds flying by, don’t get me wrong!
We left the clay lick and returned to the lodge in time for lunch and a brief siesta. Later we went to watch the forest canopy from the 130-foot (40 meter) high scaffold tower. It was a mission to get up there, but once at the platform (if you don’t suffer from vertigo) it was a unique experience which allowed us to get good views of canopy birds. From here, we had a nice session, with views of Lettered and Chestnut-eared Aracaris, White-throated Toucan, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Bat Falcon, Masked Tityra, Chestnut-crowned Becard, Olive Oropendola, plus some others. However, the best was probably having closer views of Blue-and-yellow Macaw and, flight views of the trio of Scarlet Macaw, Red-and-green Macaw and Chestnut-fronted Macaw, showing its nice blue color under its wings. We saw the uncommon Black-capped Parakeet on a short mating session, this species can be hard to detect in the region.
We returned to the lodge and some tour participants decided to go for a night walk, finding Amazonian Pygmy Owl.
Day 6, 6th July 2025. Chuncho Lodge
Today we spent our last day at the lodge. We started birding the hummingbird garden, where we found a male Butterfly Coquette which provided a lot of wows! Throughout the morning we explored one of the trails and had good views of Blue-headed Macaw, Amazonian Motmot, Bluish-slate Antshrike, which is often a mixed feeding flock sentinel, Plain-throated and White-flanked Antwrens, Peruvian Warbling Antbird, White-browed and White-lined Antbirds, Chestnut-tailed Antbird, White-throated Antbird, Plain-crowned Spinetail, Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Forest Elaenia, White-winged Becard, Western Striolated Puffbird, White-fronted Nunbird, Rufous Motmot, Channel-billed Toucan, Rufous-capped Nunlet and Screaming Piha, one of the classic species of the amazon rainforest with its extraordinarily loud voice, reaching 116 decibels, the second loudest call in the world after White Bellbird. We heard Starred Wood Quail and had a glimpse of Undulated Tinamou on the way back to the lodge.
In the afternoon we took our boat to explore the Quebrada El Gato (“Cat’s Stream”), located upriver. The bird activity was generally slow, nevertheless we managed to add a few new species including Speckled Chachalaca, Spix’s Guan, Violaceous Jay, Short-crested Flycatcher, Streaked Flycatcher, Black Caracara, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Olive Oropendola, Channel-billed Toucan and a few others
Back at the lodge we enjoyed a large troop of countless Squirrel Monkeys and at dusk we saw Pauraque around the cabins.
Undulated Antpitta near Ollantaytabo (photo Matthew Rice).
Day 7, 7th July 2025. Flight to Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo
We had an easy start, packed our luggage and prepared for the transfer back to Puerto Maldonado and then our flight to Cusco. Everything went smoothly and we landed in Cusco and were met by Hilmar, our main driver for the following days. He drove us out of the city using shortcuts and detours, trying to avoid the traffic. It seemed he was in a hurry of an unknown nature but we later realized he was coordinating with the caretakers of Paraiso de los Colibries feeding station to ensure they only fed the most-wanted Undulated Antpitta to coincide with our arrival. It took almost an hour and a half to reach this feeding station along the sacred valley of the Urubamba River. The tour participants were neither expecting to visit such a place nor to be able to witness the large Undulated Antpitta on a worm feeder. The participants were ecstatic, and also enjoyed views of some other great birds such as Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing (the second largest hummingbird in the world) and Giant Hummingbird (the largest hummingbird in the world). What a moment of excitement!
The hummingbird feeders further included Tyrian Metaltail, White-bellied Hummingbird and Sparking Violetear (the bully of the andes). We also enjoyed views of Golden-billed Saltator, Black-backed Grosbeak, Rufous-collared Sparrow and Chiguanco Thrush.
It was getting late, and we had to leave before dark, so continued our drive to Ollantaytambo. We wished we could have stayed longer, this is definitely a place that requires a full day for photographers, as it is often visited by other species that we didn’t see during our short visit.
Day 8, 8th July 2025. Train to Aguas Calientes and visit to Machu Picchu
It’s generally a good idea to stay at Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft / 2,792 m elevation) versus Cusco (11,200 ft / 3,400 m elevation) during your first day in the mountains. The elevation is gentler, and the gardens of our hotel were surrounded by bird species. We spent about two hours birding the gardens, looking for the endemic Bearded Mountaineer which, after some searching, provided great views. This was species number 1,000 of the personal life list of our young participant Matthew, he will surely never forget that morning!
The garden held Black-backed Grosbeak, Spot-winged Pigeon, Cinereous Conebill, Hooded Siskin, Greenish Yellow Finch, Band-tailed Seedeater, Rusty Flowerpiercer and Black-tailed Trainbearer. Later we had a comfortable train ride for an hour and a half to the town of Aguas Calientes, the rendezvous for the Machu Picchu archeological site. We had a cultural visit scheduled for the afternoon. Then we did part of the “tourist routine”, which involved queuing to get the bus up to the ruins and being escorted by the cultural site guide, who gave us a good introduction to Machu Picchu and the history of the Incas. The views, especially from the top, were amazing, and we were very happy to see endemic Inca Wrens performing, with close-up views of a family foraging a few feet from us. It was fun to see Montane Vizcacha, an indigenous rodent of the Andes, at the ruins. This is a social animal which feeds on mountain grass and lives in rocky areas in the mountains reaching 14,000 feet (4,270 m), with a distribution from Ecuador to Argentina.
We enjoyed the comfort of the hotels and the nice and varied meals of the local restaurants.
Day 9, 9th July 2025. Machu Picchu Sanctuary (Puente Ruinas)
Today we left the hotel at dawn to explore the forest along the Urubamba River, where most of the bird diversity in Machu Picchu is found. We started with views of Torrent Duck, one of the classic birds of the Andes. We hit our first mixed flock near the butterfly visitor center and had close-up views of the colorful Versicolored Barbet. In addition, we had other good species such as Fawn-breasted Tanager, Slaty Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Variable Antshrike, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Mottled-cheeked Tyrannulet, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Chivi Vireo, Tropical Parula, Russet-crowned Warbler, Slate-throated Whitestart and Grey-breasted Wood Wren. We scanned the river looking for White-capped Dipper, without success, but we found Torrent Tyrannulet and Fasciated Tiger Heron.
Torrent Duck below Machu Picchu (photo Andrew Cutler).
We had nice encounters with Andean Guan, Dusky-green Oropendola, Pale-legged Warbler, Oleaginous Hemispingus, the endemic Inca Flycatcher, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, White-tipped Swift, White-tipped Dove, Andean Motmot, Mitred Parakeet and Barred Becard. We looked for Masked Fruiteater, unfortunately without success, but a female Andean Cock-of-the-rock showed well with her cryptic coloration. Another nice addition was the near-endemic Blue-banded Toucanet,found only in the yungas of central and southern Peru and extending into Bolivia. A great selection of hummingbirds included the endemic Green-and-white Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Green Hermit, Chestnut-breasted Coronet and White-bellied Hummingbird.
The near-endemic Blue-banded Toucanet seen below Machu Picchu (photo Andrew Cutler).
Later we visited the feeders of the butterfly visitor center, where we had nice views of Thick-billed and Orange-bellied Euphonias, White-lined Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager and Silver-backed Tanager (Silvery Tanager).
Finally, we had a Speckled-faced Parrot which remained nicely perched for photos. We returned to town, scanned the river for dippers, ate lunch and enjoyed some spare time, then caught our train back to Ollantaytambo. Some of us got views of White-capped Dipper in the stream adjacent to the train station. We arrived back in Ollantaytambo and Hilmar met us again and drove us to Cusco, where we spent a night in our nice downtown boutique-style hotel.
Day 10, 10th July 2025. Huacarpay Wetlands and transfer to Manu Road
Today we were to visit Manu Road, the famous road that connects the high Andes with the yungas and cloudforest of Cusco and eventually the Amazon rainforest in the Madre de Dios state. The altitude varies between 13,100 feet (4,000 meters) and 1,600 feet (500 meters) along this road.
We started the day visiting the Huacarpay wetlands, where the first target was the endemic skulker, Rusty-fronted Canastero, which, after playing hide-and-seek, we managed to see well. Other birds included Puna Ibis, Andean Gull, Yellow-winged Blackbird, Bare-face Ground Dove, Chiguanco Thrush, White-crested Elaenia, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Wren-like Rushbird and the handsome Many-colored Rush Tyrant. There were waterfowl too distant for photos but we managed to identify Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail and Yellow-billed Teal. Additionally, we saw Andean Lapwing, Common Gallinule and Andean Coot, with Plumbeous Rail giving us a show – this is probably the best place to see this rail coming right out into the open. We continued our drive towards Paucartambo, reaching high elevations near 13,000 ft (3,962 m).
We then drove through little Andean villages at high altitude, and fairly easily got super views of Andean Ibis while traveling. We hurried to avoid traffic congestion due to local festivities in Paucartambo. We ate lunch at a new restaurant with hummingbird feeders and saw White-bellied Hummingbird, Green-tailed Trainbearer and White-bellied Woodstar.
We arrived at the tree line at Acjanaco, the entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve at 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) but it was sadly very quiet. We thus continued the drive down the mountain and spotted a Yungas Pygmy Owl, unfortunately we could not see it well, despite our best efforts. We also saw Andean Guan, White-collared Jay, Mountain Cacique and Plain-breasted Hawk.
Our first mixed species flock encountered on the Manu Road provided Hooded Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Spectacled Whitestart, Masked Flowerpiercer, the striking Grass-green Tanager, the uncommon Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager, Pearled Treerunner, Tyrian Metaltail, Violet-throated Starfrontlet, White-throated Tyrannulet and Three-striped Hemispingus.
We arrived at Wayquecha Biological Station and were pleased by the improvements here, such as Wi-Fi, and a better main building reception, bird feeders and meals – bravo to the chef!
Red-and-white Antpitta at the Wayquecha feeders (photo Andrew Cutler).
Day 11, 11th July 2025. Antpitta feeders and transfer to Cock of the Rock Lodge
Wayquecha deserves plenty of time to bird, at an easy pace, exploring the different areas of the cloudforest mountain habitat of Pillahuata. We had to maximize our time and effort and thus focused on the most-wanted antpittas that, for the first time, are being fed at worm stations in Manu. The first of the antpittas was the endemic Urubamba Antpitta (a split from Rufous Antpitta, named after the valley of Urubamba in Cusco). Later we moved to look for the endemic Red-and-white Antpitta,which took longer to show up but eventually provided great views. Finally, we moved to the last station where the small Rufous-breasted Antpitta (a split from Rusty-breasted Antpitta, also known as Leymebamba Antpitta, after the town of Leymebamba in the northern Andes of Peru) was waiting for us and gave great views.
Urubamba Antpitta – another Peruvian endemic (photo Andrew Cutler).
We birded the Pillahuata zone, descending to lower elevations. We scored with a couple of Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans,which were big targets for our tour participants, especially Andrew. In the same area we found both Barred Fruiteater and Band-tailed Fruiteater, the latter providing good views and photos. We also had great encounters with Red-crested Cotinga and a couple of Citrine Warblers, Grey-eared Brushfinch, (Black-faced) Cinnamon Flycatchers and Amethyst-throated Sunangel, to name a few.
Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, of the lateralis subspecies (photo Andrew Cutler).
The hummingbird feeders at Wayquecha provided views of Long-tailed Sylph and the near-endemic Gould’s Inca, found only in southern Peru and Bolivia and elevated to a full species in 2022. It is named after the 19th century British ornithologist John Gould. After lunch we drove down to San Pedro, making a few stops to add Andean Motmot, White-eared Solitaire, Mountain Wren, Scaly-naped Amazon (the only species of Amazona parrot that reaches high elevations) and Chestnut-collared Swift. Fortunately, it did not rain and the weather was perfect.
Later, we arrived at Cock of the Rock Lodge for three nights’ stay.
Day 12, 12th July 2025. Cock of the Rock Lodge and La Union
The minimal parrot activity previously at the macaw clay lick was compensated by the bird activity at the feeders and gardens of Cock of the Rock Lodge. The activity was incredible when compared to other months like late August and September, when it is dry and slow. I think that arriving when the cold front was completely over caused us to experience activity throughout the day. The hummingbirds were active, with constantly busy Many-spotted Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Peruvian Racket-tail, Fork-tailed Woodnymph and Green Hermit, while the endemic Peruvian Piedtail fed regularly at the flowering bushes in the garden. Speckled Hummingbird fed in the hibiscus flowers around the dining room. While enjoying a nice breakfast and cup of coffee, other birds and creatures arrived in the garden. Some birds performed very well for us, including striking Paradise Tanagers (of the nominate race) feeding on melastomataceas berries. They were very low, not near the tops of the trees as is usually the case, which allowed almost eye-level views. Spotted Tanager and Blue-necked Tanager also fed nice and low, while Golden-eared Tanager came right to the feeders. Next up was Golden Tanager, which descended to the bird feeders, together with Orange-bellied Euphonia and Blue-grey Tanager, followed by striking Versicolored Barbets (male and female) at the feeders. Other species that showed around the garden were Buff-throated Saltator, Speckled Chachalaca and Dusky-green and Russet-backed Oropendolas. We also had Bolivian Squirrel, Brown Agouti and a shy Tayra, a large terrestrial mustelid, coming to feed on the fruit.
The striking Lemon-throatedBarbet (photo Andrew Cutler).
The lodge was immersed in bird calls from the forest, including skulkers like Yungas Manakin, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Scaly-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Rufous-breasted Antthrush and Chestnut-backed Antshrike. The lodge surroundings provided Stripe-chested Antwren, Marbled-faced Bristle Tyrant, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Yellow-throated Chlorospingus, Two-banded Warbler, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (also known as Deep-blue Flowerpiercer), Hauxwell’s Thrush, Andean Motmot, Slate-throated Whitestart and Bronze-green Euphonia, and we had nice views of Swallow-tailed Kite, always a pleasure to see.
We went up to an area known as la Union because we had heard there was a new feeding station that was worth a visit. The place is sometimes referred to as “Victor’s Feeders”. Upon arrival we were received by Victor and enjoyed Versicolored Barbet, and a splendid Golden-collared Honeycreeper on the feeder. Other tanagers included Golden-naped, Blue-necked, Golden, Spotted, Blue-capped and White-lined Tanagers. We had our first rain of the trip, which thankfully was more like thick drizzle, so we kept birding. From the road we had a flock containing Bolivian Tyrannulet and the beautiful Orange-eared Tanager.
In the afternoon we explored the road down from the lodge, a few sections of that stretch of road were muddy but fine to walk. We birded at a slow and relaxed pace and eventually spotted a pair of Amazonian Umbrellabirds – we could see the male through the scope on the other side of the river – which made the whole group happy. In the evening some of us saw Rufescent Screech Owl around the lodge cabins.
The male Amazonian Umbrellabird showed incredibly well for us along the Manu Road (photo Andrew Cutler).
Day 13, 13th July 2025. Inka Amazonia and Bamboo Lodge Feeders
We spent the morning visiting some new feeders down the road, beyond and below the Pilcopata sector at between 1,640 – 1,970 feet (500-600 meters) elevation. Our first station took us to visit Jardin de Picaflores Inka Amazonia. We walked down to the photography and observation blind (hide) to see the impressive King Vultures and we feasted our eyes on great sightings of this iconic species. This, together with Lagarto Cocha in northern Costa Rica, are the only photographic blinds (hides) for King Vulture in the whole of the neotropics.
King Vulture at the photography blind in Manu (photo Andrew Cutler).
After this we moved to the main garden, where the bird feeders have been placed. We had a great morning, with Blue-necked Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Purple Honeycreeper, Rufous-bellied Euphonia and several Orange-bellied Euphonias. Other additions to the trip were Turquoise Tanager and the exquisite Lemon-throated Barbet as well as a single male Yellow-bellied Dacnis. We also added Wedge-billed Woodcreeper and Plain-crowned Spinetail and, to our surprise, a female Plum-throated Cotinga under the top of the cecropia trees. The excitement peaked when we saw the outstanding male!
Versicolored Barbet at a feeding station (photo Andrew Cutler).
Hummingbirds included the most-wanted Rufous-crested Coquette, one of the favorites of the participants. Others included White-necked Jacobin (the name originates from the bird’s plumage pattern which resembles the hooded robes of Dominican friars, known as Jacobins), a single Blue- tailed Emerald, Grey-breasted Sabrewing (the largest hummingbird in this part of the Amazon rainforest), Long-billed Starthroat, Golden-tailed Sapphire, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, the smart Gould’s Jewelfront, White-bearded Hermit and White-browed Hermit, a very localized species in Peru. Only Charlotte and Matthew had a glimpse of the Buff-tailed Sicklebill.
The tiny Rufous-crested Coquette (photo Andrew Cutler).
We spent the whole morning there, then had lunch at Manu Biolodge (previously Villa Carmen). We then made a short visit to Bamboo Lodge, where the only new addition to our list was Green-and-gold Tanager on a feeder. We returned to Cock of the Rock Lodge area and went to see its namesake species displaying at the lek. The famous Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek here is shared by several visitors that are traveling through or staying in the area. The lek activity happens in the early morning and late afternoon. We waited a while and were rewarded with great views of several males displaying. In addition of the national bird of Peru, we had great views of Common Woolly Monkey, we were fortunate as this primate is not always seen.
Rufescent Screech Owl was seen at Cock of the Rock Lodge (photo Matthew Rice).
At lunchtime we briefly visited a spot to find Great Potoo at its daytime roost and some Black-capped Night Monkeys.
In the evening, while washing the vehicle, our driver Hilmar heard the calls of Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Amy and Matthew approached the area and managed to get the male in flight – they were very happy!
Day 14, 14th July 2025. Manu Endemic Reserve and transfer to Manu BioLodge
We left Cock of the Rock Lodge and went to another new feeding station garden called Manu Endemic Reserve, where we repeated the hummers we had seen yesterday. We tried to get Buff-tailed Sicklebill which usually shows right in the open. Unfortunately, and despite all the time invested, it didn’t show up for us this morning (only showing at 11.30am, after we had left, according to the owner). Nevertheless, it was not in vain as we found new birds including Pale-tailed Barbthroat (a widespread Amazonian species, but quite scarce). We had views of Black-throated Mango, White-browed Hermit, Great-billed Hermit, Rufous-crested Coquette and Fork-tailed Woodnymph amongst others. Along with Masked Tanager, Blue-crowned Trogon, Magpie Tanager, Black-faced Dacnis, Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet, Long-tailed Tyrant, Grey-headed Kite, Yellow-rumped Cacique and Crested Oropendola.
We continued to Pilcopata and Manu Biolodge, where we stayed a night. In the afternoon we explored the surrounding openings, including the botanical gardens and visited the bird blind (hide), where we had fine views of Undulated Tinamou. It was great to see this bird vocalizing, one of the most iconic calls of the Amazon. We also saw Pectoral Sparrow and Grey-fronted Dove.
We returned to the lodge and had good views of Grey-capped Flycatcher, White-eyed Parakeet, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Chestnut-eared Aracari, White-lored Euphonia (also known as Golden-bellied Euphonia), Social Flycatcher, Blue-throated Piping Guan and Spix’s Guan. Some participants managed to see Slender-billed Xenops, Sunbittern, Rufescent Tiger Heron and Grey-cowled Wood Rail. At night we saw and heard a Tropical Screech Owl around the cabins.
Cinereous Tinamou at Manu Biolodge (photo Andrew Cutler).
Day 15, 15th July 2025. Manu Biolodge and transfer to Cusco
Our last day in Manu had a great start with us back in the bird blind where we had Cinereous Tinamou and Undulated Tinamou, feeding together. In addition, we heard Black-capped Tinamou but it wouldn’t show, even though we waited about an hour for it. We tried for Ringed Antpipit but this remained heard only, and we saw Chestnut-tailed Antbird.
We left the lodge for the long drive back to Cusco, hoping to avoid traffic problems in Paucartambo because today was the main day of the town’s celebrations. Our first stop was at Chonquechaca, where we had great views of the handsome Black-backed Tody Tyrant, another Peruvian endemic. Further up the road, back in the cloudforest and with perfect weather for raptors, we didn’t find any eagles, but we had a nice male Golden-headed Quetzal. We arrived back at Wayquecha, had lunch and continued the drive back to Cusco along an infrequently used road because the main section between Paucartambo and Cusco was closed due to the heavy traffic for the celebrations.
We said goodbye to the high Andes of Cusco, thinking about a lovely trip which had been enjoyed by all tour participants. I’ like to thank the tour group for being such great participants, the lodge staff who worked so hard to provide great service and memorable experiences, including bird reserves staff and feeder staff, as well as our skillful and attentive driver, Hilmar, who went the extra mile to ensure the success of the tour.
We arrived back at Cusco and enjoyed our final dinner as a group in a tourist restaurant, where a musical show entertained us all.
Day 16, 16th July 2025. Transfer to the airport and flight back to Lima
We were transferred to Cusco airport to connect to our flight back to Lima and home. Andrew and Debra stayed for a couple of extra days to explore the city.
Bird List – Following IOC (14.2)
Birds ‘heard-only’ are marked with (H) after the common name; all other species were seen.
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
| Tinamous (Tinamidae) | |
| White-throated Tinamou | Tinamus guttatus |
| Undulated Tinamou | Crypterellus undulatus |
| Cinereous Tinamou | Crypturellus cinereus |
| Black-capped Tinamou (H) | Crypturellus atrocapillus |
| Screamers (Anhimidae) | |
| Horned Screamer | Anhima cornuta |
| Ducks, Geese, and Swans (Anatidae) | |
| White-faced Whistling Duck | Dendrocygna viduata |
| Black-faced Whistling Duck | Dendrocygna autumnalis |
| Torrent Duck | Merganetta armata |
| Orinoco Goose | Neochen jubata |
| Brazilian Teal | Amazonetta brasiliensis |
| Puna Teal | Spatula puna |
| Cinnamon Teal | Spatula cyanoptera |
| Yellow-billed Pintail | Anas georgica |
| Yellow-billed Teal | Anas flavirostris |
| Chachalacas, Curassows, Guans (Cracidae) | |
| Speckled Chachalaca | Ortalis guttata |
| Andean Guan | Penelope montagnii |
| Spix’s Guan | Penelope jacquacu |
| Blue-throated Piping Guan | Pipile cumanensis |
| Nightjars (Caprimulgidae) | |
| Parauque | Nyctidromus albicollis |
| Lyre-tailed Nightjar | Uropsalis lyra |
| Potoos (Nyctibiidae) | |
| Great Potoo | Nyctibius grandis |
| Swifts (Apodidae) | |
| White-collared Swift | Streptoprocne zonaris |
| Chestnut-collared Swift | Streptoprocne rutila |
| Grey-rumped Swift | Chaetura cinereiventris |
| Short-tailed Swift | Chaetura brachyura |
| White-tipped Swift | Chaetura brachyura |
| Fork-tailed Palm Swift | Tachornis squamata |
| Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) | |
| White-necked Jacobin | Florisuga mellivora |
| Buff-tailed Sicklebill | Eutoxeres condamini |
| Pale-tailed Barbthroat | Threnetes leucurus |
| Reddish Hermit | Phaethornis ruber |
| White-browed Hermit | Phaethornis stuarti |
| White-bearded Hermit | Phaethornis hispidus |
| Green Hermit | Phaethornis guy |
| Great-billed Hermit | Phaethornis malaris |
| Lesser Violetear | Colibri cyanotus |
| Sparkling Violetear | Colibri coruscans |
| Black-eared Fairy | Heliothryx auritus |
| Black-throated Mango | Anthracothorax nigricollis |
| Amethyst-throated Sunangel | Heliangelus amethysticollis |
| Rufous-crested Coquette | Lophornis delattrei |
| Butterfly Coquette | Lophornis verreauxii |
| Peruvian Piedtail | Phlogophilus harterti |
| Speckled Hummingbird | Adelomyia melanogenys |
| Long-tailed Sylph | Aglaiocercus kingii |
| Black-tailed Trainbearer | Lesbia victoriae |
| Green-tailed Trainbearer | Lesbia nuna |
| Bearded Mountaineer | Oreonympha nobilis |
| Tyrian Metaltail | Metallura tyrianthina |
| Bronzy Inca | Coeligena coeligena |
| Gould’s Inca | Coeligena inca |
| Violet-throated Starfrontlet | Coeligena violifer |
| Sword-billed Hummingbird | Ensifera ensifera |
| Chestnut-breasted Coronet | Boissonneaua matthewsii |
| Rufous-booted Racket-tail | Ocreatus addae |
| Gould’s Jewelfront | Heliodoxa aurescens |
| Violet-fronted Brilliant | Heliodoxa leadbeateri |
| Giant Hummingbird | Patagona gigas |
| Long-billed Starthroat | Heliomaster longirostris |
| White-bellied Woodstar | Chaetocercus mulsant |
| Blue-tailed Emerald | Chlorostilbon mellisugus |
| Grey-breasted Sabrewing | Campylopterus largipennis |
| Fork-tailed Woodnymph | Thalurania furcata |
| Many-spotted Hummingbird | Taphrospilus hypostictus |
| Golden-tailed Sapphire | Chrysuronia oenone |
| Sapphire-spangled Emerald | Chionomesa lactea |
| White-bellied Hummingbird | Elliotomyia chionogaster |
| Green-and-white Hummingbird | Elliotomyia viridicauda |
| White-chinned Sapphire | Chlorestes cyanus |
| Cuckoos (Cuculidae) | |
| Smooth-billed Ani | Crotophaga ani |
| Squirrel Cuckoo | Piaya cayana |
| Little Cuckoo | Coccycua minuta |
| Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae) | |
| Rock Pigeon | Columba livia |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Patagioenas fasciata |
| Pale-vented Pigeon | Patagioenas cayennensis |
| Plumbeous Pigeon | Patagioenas plumbea |
| Spot-winged Pigeon | Patagioenas maculosa |
| Ruddy Ground Dove | Columbina talpacoti |
| Bare-faced Ground Dove | Metriopelia ceciliae |
| Grey-fronted Dove | Leptotila rufaxilla |
| White-tipped Dove | Leptotila verreauxi |
| Eared Dove | Zenaida auriculata |
| West Peruvian Dove | Zenaida meloda |
| Finfoots (Heliornithidae) | |
| Sungrebe | Heliornis fulica |
| Rails, Crakes, and Coots (Rallidae) | |
| Plumbeous Rail | Pardirallus sanguinolentus |
| Grey-cowled Wood Rail | Aramides cajaneus |
| Common Gallinule | Gallinula galeata |
| Andean Coot | Fulica ardesiaca |
| Limpkin (Aramidae) | |
| Limpkin | Aramus guarauna |
| Grebes (Podicipedidae) | |
| Least Grebe | Tachybaptus dominicus |
| Plovers (Charadriidae) | |
| Pied Plover | Hoploxypterus cayanus |
| Southern Lapwing | Vanellus chilensis |
| Andean Lapwing | Vanellus resplendens |
| Collared Plover | Anarhynchus collaris |
| Jacanidae | |
| Wattled Jacana | Jacana jacana |
| Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae) | |
| Pantanal Snipe | Gallinago paraguaiae |
| Gulls and Terns (Laridae) | |
| Black Skimmer | Rynchops niger |
| Large-billed Tern | Phaetusa simplex |
| Yellow-billed Tern | Sternula superciliaris |
| Andean Gull | Chroicocephalus serranus |
| Sunbittern (Eurypygidae) | |
| Sunbittern | Eurypyga helias |
| Storks (Ciconiidae) | |
| Woodstork | Mycteria americana |
| Anhingas(Anhingidae) | |
| Anhinga | Anhinga anhinga |
| Cormorant (Phalacrocoracidae) | |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Nannopterum brasilianum |
| Ibises (Threskiornithidae) | |
| Green Ibis | Mesembrinibis cayennensis |
| Puna Ibis | Plegadis ridgwayi |
| Andean Ibis | Theristicus branickii |
| Herons and Bitterns (Ardeidae) | |
| Rufescent Tiger Heron | Tigrisoma lineatum |
| Fasciated Tiger Heron | Tigrisoma fasciatum |
| Black-crowned Night Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax |
| Snowy Egret | Egretta thula |
| Cattle Egret | Bubulcus ibis |
| Capped Heron | Pilherodius pileatus |
| Striated Heron | Butorides striata |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba |
| Cocoi Heron | Ardea cocoi |
| Hoatzin (Opisthocomidae) | |
| Hoatzin | Opisthocomus hoazin |
| New World Vultures (Cathartidae) | |
| King Vulture | Sarcoramphus papa |
| Black Vulture | Coragyps atratus |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura |
| Greater Yellow-headed Vulture | Cathartes melambrotus |
| Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture | Cathartes burrovianus |
| Kites, Hawks and Eagles | |
| Grey-headed Kite | Leptodon cayanensis |
| Swallow-tailed Kite | Elanoides forficatus |
| Plain-breasted Hawk | Accipiter ventralis |
| Plumbeous Kite | Ictinia plúmbea |
| Snail Kite | Rostrhamus sociabilis |
| Great Black Hawk | Buteogallus urubitinga |
| Roadside Hawk | Rupornis magnirostris |
| Variable Hawk | Geranoaetus polyosoma |
| Owls (Strigidae) | |
| Crested Owl (H) | Lophostrix cristata |
| Burrowing Owl | Athene cunicularia |
| Yungas Pygmy Owl | Glaucidium bolivianum |
| Amazonian Pygmy Owl | Glaucidium hardyi |
| Rufescent Screech Owl | Megascops ingens |
| Tropical Screech Owl | Megascops choliba |
| Tawny-bellied Screech Owl (H) | Megascops watsonii |
| Trogons (Trogonidae) | |
| Golden-headed Quetzal | Pharomachrus auriceps |
| Collared Trogon | Trogon collaris |
| Black-tailed Trogon | Trogon melanurus |
| Blue-crowned Trogon | Trogon curucui |
| Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) | |
| Amazon Kingfisher | Chloroceryle amazona |
| Green-and-rufous Kingfisher | Chloroceryle inda |
| Green Kingfisher | Chloroceryle americana |
| Ringed Kingfisher | Megaceryle torquata |
| Motmots (Momotidae) | |
| Amazonian Motmot | Momotus momota |
| Andean Motmot | Momotus aequatorialis |
| Rufous Motmot | Baryphthengus martii |
| Jacamar (Galbulidae) | |
| Bluish-fronted Jacamar | Galbula cyanescens |
| White-throated Jacamar | Brachygalba albogularis |
| Puffbirds (Bucconidae) | |
| Chestnut-capped Puffbird | Bucco macrodactylus |
| Western Striolated Puffbird | Nystalus obamai |
| Black-streaked Puffbird | Malacoptila fulvogularis |
| Rufous-capped Nunlet | Nonnula ruficapilla |
| Black-fronted Nunbird | Monasa nigrifrons |
| White-fronted Nunbird | Monasa morphoeus |
| Swallow-winged Puffbird | Chelidoptera tenebrosa |
| New World Barbets (Capitonidae) | |
| Lemon-throated Barbet | Eubucco richardsoni |
| Versicolored Barbet | Eubucco versicolor |
| Toucans (Ramphastidae) | |
| Blue-banded Toucanet | Aulacorhynchus coeruleicinctis |
| Chestnut-eared Aracari | Pteroglossus castanotis |
| Lettered Aracari | Pteroglossus inscriptus |
| Ivory-billed Aracari | Pteroglossus azara |
| Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan | Andigena hypoglauca |
| Channel-billed Toucan | Ramphastos vitellinus |
| White-throated Toucan | Ramphastos tucanus |
| Woodpeckers (Picidae) | |
| Yellow-tufted Woodpecker | Melanerpes cruentatus |
| Little Woodpecker | Veniliornis passerinus |
| Red-stained Woodpecker | Veniliornis affinis |
| Lineated Woodpecker | Dryocopus lineatus |
| Crimson-crested Woodpecker | Campephilus melanoleucos |
| Red-necked Woodpecker | Campephilus rubricollis |
| Caracaras and Falcons (Falconidae) | |
| Black Caracara | Daptrius ater |
| Red-throated Caracara | Ibycter americanus |
| Mountain Caracara | Phalcoboenus megalopterus |
| Crested Caracara | Caracara cheriway |
| Laughing Falcon | Herpetotheres cachinnans |
| American Kestrel | Falco sparverius |
| New World Parrots (Psittacidae) | |
| Cobalt-winged Parakeet | Brotogeris cyanoptera |
| Orange-cheeked Parrot | Pyrilia barrabandi |
| Blue-headed Parrot | Pionus menstruus |
| Plum-crowned Parrot | Pionus tumultuosus |
| Yellow-crowned Amazon | Amazona ochrocephala |
| Scaly-naped Amazon | Amazona mercenaries |
| Mealy Amazon | Amazona farinosa |
| Black-capped Parakeet | Pyrrhura rupicola |
| Dusky-headed Parakeet | Aratinga weddellii |
| Red-bellied Macaw | Orthopsittaca manilatus |
| Blue-headed Macaw | Primolius couloni |
| Blue-and-yellow Macaw | Ara ararauna |
| Scarlet Macaw | Ara macao |
| Red-and-green Macaw | Ara chloropterus |
| Chestnut-fronted Macaw | Ara severus |
| Military Macaw | Ara militaris |
| White-eyed Parakeet | Psittacara leucophthalmus |
| Mitred Parakeet | Psittacara mitratus |
| Ovenbirds (Furnariidae) | |
| Olivaceous Woodcreeper | Sittasomus griseicapillus |
| Plain-brown Woodcreeper | Dendrocincla fuliginosa |
| Wedge-billed Woodcreeper | Glyphorynchus spirurus |
| Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper | Dendrexetastes rufigula |
| Long-billed Woodcreeper | Nasica longirostris |
| Elegant Woodcreeper | Xiphorhynchus elegans |
| Slender-billed Xenops | Xenops tenuirostris |
| Spotted Barbtail | Premnoplex brunnescens |
| Pearled Treerunner | Margarornis squamiger |
| Wren-like Rushbird | Phleocryptes melanops |
| Cream-winged Cinclodes | Cinclodes albiventris |
| Montane Foliage-gleaner | Anabacerthia striaticollis |
| Rusty-fronted Canastero | Asthenes ottonis |
| Plain-crowned Spinetail | Synallaxis gujanensis |
| Azara’s Spinetail | Synallaxis azarae |
| Antbirds (Thamnophilidae) | |
| Stripe-chested Antwren | Myrmotherula longicauda |
| White-flanked Antwren | Myrmotherula axillaris |
| Long-winged Antwren | Myrmotherula longipennis |
| Grey Antwren | Myrmotherula menetriesii |
| Plain-throated Antwren | Isleria hauxwelli |
| Bluish-slate Antshike | Thamnomanes schistogynus |
| Plain Antvireo | Dysithamnus mentalis |
| Barred Antshrike | Thamnophilus doliatus |
| Chestnut-backed Antshrike | Thamnophilus palliatus |
| Plain-winged Antshrike | Thamnophilus schistaceus |
| Variable Antshrike | Thamnophilus caerulescens |
| Fasciated Antshrike | Cymbilaimus lineatus |
| Bamboo Antshrike | Cymbilaimus sanctaemariae |
| Great Antshrike | Taraba major |
| Striated Antbird | Drymophila devillei |
| Peruvian Warbling Antbird | Hypocnemis peruviana |
| Southern Chestnut-tailed Antbird | Sciaphylax hemimelaena |
| White-lined Antbird | Myrmoborus lophotes |
| Plumbeous Antbird | Myrmelastes hyperythrus |
| Goeldi’s Antbird | Akletos goeldii |
| Western Fire-eye | Pyriglena maura |
| White-browed Antbird | Myrmoborus leucophrys |
| Antthrushes (Formicariidae) | |
| Black-faced Antthrush | Formicarius analis |
| Rufous-breasted Annthrush (H) | Formicarius rufipectus |
| Antpittas (Grallariidae) | |
| Undulated Antpitta | Grallaria squamigera |
| Urubamba Antpitta | Grallaria occabambae |
| Red-and-white Antpitta | Grallaria erythroleuca |
| Rufous-breasted Antpitta | Grallaricula leymebambae |
| Tapaculos (Rhinocryptidae) | |
| Bolivian Tapaculo (H) | Scytalopus bolivianus |
| Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae) | |
| Yellow-bellied Elaenia | Elaenia flavogaster |
| White-crested Elaenia | Elaenia albiceps |
| Small-billed Elaenia | Elaenia parvirostris |
| Sierran Elaenia | Elaenia pallatangae |
| White-throated Tyrannulet | Mecocerculus leucophrys |
| White-tailed Tyrannulet | Mecocerculus poecilocercus |
| White-banded Tyrannulet | Mecocerculus stictopterus |
| Torrent Tyrannulet | Serpophaga cinerea |
| Ringed Antpipit (H) | Corythopis torquatus |
| Bolivian Tyrannulet | Zimmerius bolivianus |
| Peruvian Tyrannulet | Zimmerius viridiflavus |
| Marbled-faced Bristle Tyrant | Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus |
| Mottle-cheeked Tyrannulet | Phylloscartes ventralis |
| Cinnamon-faced Tyrannulet | Phylloscartes parkeri |
| Streak-necked Flycatcher | Mionectes striaticollis |
| Olive-striped Flycatcher | Mionectes galbinus |
| Inca Flycatcher | Leptopogon taczanowskii |
| Many-colored Rush Tyrant | Tachuris rubrigastra |
| Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant (H) | Lophotriccus pileatus |
| Common Tody-Flycatcher | Todirostrum cinereum |
| Yellow-olive Flatbill | Tolmomyias sulphurescens |
| Cinnamon Flycatcher | Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus |
| Black Phoebe | Sayornis nigricans |
| Smoke-colored Pewee | Contopus fumigatus |
| Vermillion Flycatcher | Pyrocephalus obscurus |
| Drab Water Tyrant | Ochthornis littoralis |
| Long-tailed Tyrant | Colonia colonus |
| Streak-thoated Bush Tyrant | Myiotheretes striaticollis |
| Piratic Flycatcher | Legatus leucophaius |
| Social Flycatcher | Myiozetetes similis |
| Grey-capped Flycatcher | Myiozetetes granadensis |
| Great Kiskadee | Pitangus sulphuratus |
| Lesser Kiskadee | Philohydor lictor |
| Golden-crowned Flycatcher | Myiodynastes chrysocephalus |
| Streaked Flycatcher | Myiodynastes maculatus |
| Boat-billed Flycatcher | Megarynchus pitangua |
| Tropical Kingbird | Tyrannus melancholicus |
| Short-crested Flycatcher | Myiarchus ferox |
| Large-headed Flatbill | Ramphotrigon megacephalum |
| Bright-rumped Attila | Attila spadiceus |
| Cotingas (Cotingidae) | |
| Barred Fruiteater | Pipreola arcuata |
| Band-tailed Fruiteater | Pipreola intermedia |
| Andean Cock-of-the Rock | Rupicola peruvianus |
| Red-crested Cotinga | Ampelion rubrocristatus |
| Amazonian Umbrellabird | Cephalopterus ornatus |
| Screaming Piha | Lipaugus vociferans |
| Plum-throated Cotinga | Cotinga maynana |
| Manakins (Pipridae) | |
| Yungas Manakin | Chiroxiphia boliviana |
| Fiery-capped Manakin | Machaeropterus pyrocephalus |
| Tityras, Becards, and Sharpbill (Tityridae) | |
| Masked Tityra | Tityra semifasciata |
| Barred Becard | Pachyramphus versicolor |
| White-winged Becard | Pachyramphus polychopterus |
| Pink-throated Becard | Pachyramphus minor |
| Vireos (Vireonidae) | |
| Rufous-browed Peppershrike | Cyclarhis gujanensis |
| Chivi Vireo | Vireo chivi |
| Brown-capped Vireo | Vireo leucophrys |
| Crows and Jays (Corvidae) | |
| White-collared Jay | Cyanolyca viridicyanus |
| Violaceous Jay | Cyanocorax violaceus |
| Purplish Jay | Cyanocorax cyanomelas |
| Martins and Swallows (Hirundinidae) | |
| White-winged Swallow | Tachycineta albiventer |
| Southern Rough-winged Swallow | Stelgidopteryx ruficollis |
| White-banded Swallow | Atticora fasciata |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Pygochelidon cyanoleuca |
| Donacobious (Donacobiidae) | |
| Black-capped Donacobious | Donacobius atricapilla |
| Wrens (Troglodytidae) | |
| Thrush-like Wren | Campylorhynchus turdinus |
| Grey-mantled Wren | Odontorchilus branickii |
| Inca Wren | Pheugopedius eisenmanni |
| Moustached Wren | Pheugopedius genibarbis |
| House Wren | Troglodytes aedon |
| Mountain Wren | Troglodytes solstitialis |
| Grey-breasted Wood Wren | Henicorhina leucophrys |
| Chestnut-breasted Wren (H) | Cyphorhinus thoracicus |
| Mockingbirds and Thrashers (Mimidae) | |
| Long-tailed Mockingbird | Mimus longicaudatus |
| Old World Sparrows (Passeridae) | |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus |
| Thrushes (Turdidae) | |
| Andean Solitaire | Myadestes ralloides |
| White-eared Solitaire | Entomodestes leucotis |
| Chiguanco Thrush | Turdus chiguanco |
| Great Thrush | Turdus fuscater |
| Hauxwell’s Thrush | Turdus hauxwelli |
| Dippers (Cinclidae) | |
| White-capped Dipper | Cinclus leucocephalus |
| Siskins and Euphonias (Fringillidae) | |
| Hooded Siskin | Spinus magellanicus |
| Thick-billed Euphonia | Euphonia laniirostris |
| Orange-bellied Euphonia | Euphonia xanthogaster |
| Rufous-bellied Euphonia | Euphonia rufiventris |
| Bronze-green Euphonia | Euphonia mesochrysa |
| White-lored Euphonia | Euphonia chrysopasta |
| New World Sparrows (Passerillidae) | |
| Yellow-throated Chlorospingus | Chlorospingus flavigularis |
| Common Chlorospingus | Chlorospingus flavopectus |
| Yellow-browed Sparrow | Ammodramus aurifrons |
| Grassland Sparrow | Ammodramus humeralis |
| Pectoral Sparrow | Arremon taciturnus |
| Chestnut-capped Brushfinch | Arremon brunneinucha |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Zonotrichia capensis |
| Grey-eared Brushfinch | Atlapetes melanolaemus |
| American Blackbirds (Icteriidae) | |
| Red-breasted Blackbird | Leistes militaris |
| Russet-backed Oropendola | Psarocolius angustifrons |
| Crested Oropendola | Psarocolius decumanus |
| Dusky-green Oropendola | Psarocolius atrovirens |
| Olive Oropendola | Psarocolius bifasciatus |
| Yellow-rumped Cacique | Cacicus cela |
| Mountain Cacique | Cacicus chrysonotus |
| Orange-backed Troupial | Icterus croconotus |
| Epaulet Oriole | Cacicus chrysonotus |
| Giant Cowbird | Molothrus oryzivorus |
| Scrub Blackbird | Dives warczewiczi |
| Yellow-winged Blackbird | Agelasticus thilius |
| New World Warblers (Parulidae) | |
| Tropical Parula | Setophaga pitiayumi |
| Pale-legged Warbler | Myiothlypis signata |
| Citrine Warbler | Myiothlypis luteoviridis |
| Two-banded Warbler | Myiothlypis bivittata |
| Russet-crowned Warbler | Myiothlypis coronata |
| Yungas Warbler | Basileuterus punctipectus |
| Slate-throated Whitestart | Myioborus miniatus |
| Spectacled Whitestart | Myioborus melanocephalus |
| Cardinals and Allies (Cardinalidae) | |
| Black-backed Grosbeak | Pheucticus aureoventris |
| Tanagers and Allies (Thraupidae) | |
| Green Honeycreeper | Chlorophanes spiza |
| Golden-collared Honeycreeper | Iridophanes pulcherrimus |
| Swallow Tanager | Tersina viridis |
| Purple Honeycreeper | Cyanerpes caeruleus |
| Blue Dacnis | Dacnis cayana |
| Yellow-bellied Dacnis | Dacnis flaviventer |
| Black-faced Dacnis | Dacnis lineata |
| Bluish-grey Saltator | Saltator coerulescens |
| Buff-throated Saltator | Saltator maximus |
| Golden-billed Saltator | Saltator aurantiirostris |
| Bananaquit | Coereba flaveola |
| Blue-black Grassquit | Volatinia jacarina |
| Slaty Tanager | Creurgops dentatus |
| Grey-headed Tanager | Eucometis penicillata |
| Black-googled Tanager | Trichothraupis melanops |
| White-shouldered Tanager | Loriotus luctuosus |
| White-lined Tanager | Tachyphonus rufus |
| Silver-beaked Tanager | Ramphocelus carbo |
| Yellow-bellied Seedeater | Sporophila nigricollis |
| Oleaginous Hemispingus | Sphenopsis frontalis |
| Black-eared Hemispingus | Sphenopsis melanotis |
| Cinereous Conebill | Conirostrum cinereum |
| Greenish Yellow Finch | Sicalis olivascens |
| Slaty Finch | Haplospiza rustica |
| Saffron Finch | Sicalis flaveola |
| Band-tailed Seedeater | Catamenia analis |
| Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer | Diglossa glauca |
| Masked Flowerpiercer | Diglossa cyanea |
| Rusty Flowerpiercer | Diglossa sittoides |
| Black-throated Flowerpiercer | Diglossa brunneiventris |
| Fawn-breasted Tanager | Pipraeidea melanonota |
| Blue-and-yellow Tanager | Rauenia bonariensis |
| Hooded Mountain Tanager | Buthraupis montana |
| Blue-capped Tanager | Sporathraupis cyanocephala |
| Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager | Dubusia castaneoventris |
| Grass-green Tanager | Chlorornis riefferii |
| Blue-winged Mountain Tanager | Anisognathus somptuosus |
| Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager | Anisognathus igniventris |
| Orange-eared Tanager | Chlorochrysa calliparaea |
| Magpie Tanager | Cissopis leverianus |
| Red-capped Cardinal | Paroaria gularis |
| Spotted Tanager | Ixothraupis punctata |
| Yellow-bellied Tanager | Ixothraupis xanthogastra |
| Golden-naped Tanager | Chalcothraupis ruficervix |
| Blue-grey Tanager | Thraupis episcopus |
| Palm Tanager | Thraupis palmarum |
| Silver-backed Tanager | Stilpnia viridicollis |
| Blue-necked Tanager | Stilpnia cyanicollis |
| Masked Tanager | Stilpnia nigrocincta |
| Blue-and-black Tanager | Tangara vassorii |
| Bay-headed Tanager | Tangara gyrola |
| Golden-eared Tanager | Tangara chrysotis |
| Saffron-crowned Tanager | Tangara xanthocephala |
| Green-and-gold Tanager | Tangara schrankii |
| Golden Tanager | Tangara arthus |
| Turquoise Tanager | Tangara mexicana |
| Paradise Tanager | Tangara chilensis |
| Species seen: | 402 |
| Species heard: | 8 |
| Total recorded: | 410 |
Mammal List – Following Mammal Watching (April 2024)
| Common name | Scientific name |
| Sloths (Bradypodidae) | |
| Brown-throated Sloth | Bradypus variegatus |
| Tamarins and Marmoset (Callitrichidae) | |
| Weddle’s saddle-backed Tamarin | Leontocebus weddelli |
| Aotidae (Night monkeys) | |
| Black-capped Night Monkey | Aotus nigriceps |
| Capuchins (Cebidae) | |
| Tufted Capuchin | Sapajus apella |
| Black-capped Squirrel Monkey | Saimiri boliviensis |
| Howler and Spider Monkeys (Atelidae) | |
| Colombian red Howler | Alouatta seniculus |
| Common Wolly Monkey | Lagothrix lagothricha |
| Otters and Weasels (Mustalidae) | |
| Giant River Otter | Pteronura brasiliensis |
| Tayra | Eira Barbara |
| Coatis (Procyonidae) | |
| South American Coati | Nasua nasua |
| Peccaries (Tayassuidae) | |
| Collared Peccary | Dicotyles tajacu |
| Deers (Cervidae) | |
| Red Brocket | Mazama americana |
| Agouti (Dasyproctidae) | |
| Brown Agouti | Dasyprocta variegata |
| Rabbits, Hares (Leporidae) | |
| Brazilian Rabbit | Oryctolagus cuniculus |
| Squirrels (Sciuridae) | |
| Bolivian Squirrel | Sciurus ignitus |
| Vizcacha and Chinchilla (Chinchillidae) | |
| NorthernViscacha | Lagidium peruanum |
| Cavies, and Capybaras (Caviidae) | |
| Capybara | Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris |
| Andean Mountain Cavy | Microcavia niata |
| Species seen: | 18 |
Reptile and Amphibians List – Following Reptiles of World (October 2023)
| Common name | Scientific name |
| Spectacled Caiman | Caiman crocodilus |
| Black Caiman | Melanosuchus niger |
| Smooth-fronted Caiman | Paleosuchus trigonatus |
| Amazon Racerunner | Ameiva ameiva |
| Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle | Podocnemis unifilis |
| Species seen: | 5 |
This is a sample trip report. Please email us ([email protected]) for more trip reports from this destination.
